Students of Eureka Academy in Kakching district and Azad Higher Secondary School in Imphal East district staged sit-in protests on Thursday condemning a series of recent violent incidents reported from different parts of Manipur.
The students said the protest was organised in connection with the killing of two children in a bomb blast at Tronglaobi, the death of three civilians allegedly in CRPF firing at Khongjangloi, and the killing of two Tangkhul individuals in an ambush at TM Kasom Khullen. They also expressed concern over the continuing violence and armed activities in Kamjong district.
During the protest, students displayed placards carrying slogans such as “Protect Our Land Ourselves,” “We Want to Live in Peace,” “Stop State Terrorism,” and “Stop Killing Innocent Civilians Through Proxy War.”
The protesting students demanded punishment for security personnel allegedly involved in civilian killings and called for protection of civilian lives and property. They also urged the authorities to deliver justice in connection with the recent incidents.
The students stated that the sit-in demonstrations were being carried out democratically and announced that similar protests would continue in different parts of the state. They further appealed to students across Manipur to unite and extend support to the movement.
According to the students, the ongoing phase-wise protests that began on May 13 were inspired by movements initiated by various civil society organisations and student bodies across the state.